We believe intentional relationships are key to sustained spiritual growth. That's why small groups are such an important part of our discipleship strategy. In a community group, people study God's word together and discuss the issues and challenges of life. It's also where they pray, care for one another, and are missed if they don't show up.

Practically speaking, there will never be a way for the staff or elders to personally minister to everyone who attends our church. That's why we place such a high premium on group life. It's how we minister effectively at Ripley. To find out more about community groups we encourage you to read below for frequently asked questions. You may also contactjeremiah.stivers@ripleycoc.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Community Group?

Community Groups are small groups of 12 people that meet weekly in someone's home for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. They are for adults of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.

I'm single and just want to meet people socially. Should I join a Community Group?

Community Groups are opportunities to connect within the church.Groups are comprised of those married and single.Some groups are comprised of only single individuals while others are made up of only married couples.

What kinds of community groups are there?

Married Couples Community groups comprised of married couples in the same stage of life (couples without children, with children, and empty nesters) and area of town.Men's and Women's Men and women can join same-gender, singles-only groups or various stages of life groups (married, single, divorced, widowed).College Community groups comprised of college-age students.

Are there single sex groups?

Yes, presently we have a women's group that is meeting.

Is childcare provided for each group meeting?

Childcare is not provided by the church, but each group determines their own needs and secures their own babysitters.Most often, the entire group helps to contribute towards the cost of the group sitter.

When and where do groups meet?

Our groups generally meet Sunday through Thursday evenings, with some meeting on Fridays and Saturdays. Most married groups meet in the evenings, while men's and women's groups meet mornings and evenings. While most groups meet in a consistent location (the home of a group member), some groups prefer to take turns meeting in different members' homes.

How often do community groups meet?

Most groups meet weekly. Some groups meet for three weeks out of the month and either take off the fourth week or do a social activity together. Due to vacation schedules, groups consisting of married couples with children often do not meet during the summer.

How long does a community group last?

Community Groups initially commit to meet for eight weeks as a Starter Group. After those first eight weeks, the group members decide if they want to continue meeting together for an additional period. Occasionally, we coordinate our sermon series with our small group studies.On these occasions the length of study may increase.

How long does each group meeting last?

Each Community Group picks the length of time they will meet. However, most groups meet for an hour and a half to two hours.

What goes on at a group meeting?

Though each group differs in how they do things, many groups have a social time in the beginning, then they transition to a time where they discuss the book they are studying and pray for each other. At the very beginning of the group, the whole group decides how much time they will spend on social, discussion, and prayer time (as well as the order in which they take place).

What does it mean when a group "ends" or "multiplies"?

During the term of the group, the group leader will train an apprentice to be the leader of the next group. At the end of the group, the leader will take half the current group, and the apprentice (after becoming an approved leader) will take the other half of the group. Then they will both add more members to their respective new groups, therefore allowing others to join groups with seasoned leaders.

What do groups study?

Each group picks their own curriculum to study with the help of the Christian Education Ministry (except for those occasions when we coordinate the sermon / studies).

How do I join a community group?

Groups organize during September and January.A sign up is held during these months for those interested in joining a group.Some groups accept members though out the year.

If you are interested in joining a group or would like to talk with someone more specifically about community groups, use the following link:jeremiah.stivers@ripleycoc.com